Charity Pilates Classes 2026

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What a buzz 💛

Our very first BodySocial Charity classes has been nothing short of incredible.

Over the course of the last few months, we welcomed 90 amazing people across our charity Pilates classes — both in the studio and out in the community — many trying Pilates for the very first time. Together, we raised over £1200 for local charities.

Just… wow.

This is exactly what BodySocial is about. Yes, we have beautiful reformers, yes we love the movement… but it’s the people, the connection, and the community that really matter. And this week showed that in the best possible way.

Here’s where your support has gone 👇

💛 Castle Donington First Responders – £100
💛 Castle Donington Youth Club – £135
💛 St Edward’s School PTA – £150
💛 Orchard Forest School PTA – £150
💛 Treetops – £150
💛 Derby Women’s Centre – £150
💛 Me, Myself & Menopause Group – £150
💛 Hemington School PTA – £150
💛 Guide Dogs for the Blind – £150

Every single one of these organisations plays a vital role in supporting people in our local community, and we’re so proud to have played a small part in helping them continue their amazing work.

To everyone who came along, donated, spread the word, brought a friend, or simply supported us from afar… thank you. You made this happen.

And honestly… the atmosphere all week?
Fun, welcoming, a few wobbles, a few laughs — exactly how it should be.

We already know this won’t be a one-off.
We’d love to make Charity Week a regular (quarterly!) event here at BodySocial, continuing to support local causes while bringing people together through movement.

Because Pilates is powerful… but community is everything.

Thank you again — from all of us at BodySocial 💛

Why Community Is the Missing Piece in Modern Fitness

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Let’s be honest.

Most people don’t stop exercising because they’re lazy.
They stop because they never felt like they belonged.

At Alive Pilates, we believe community isn’t a nice extra — it’s the reason movement actually sticks.

Read more

Bikes & Broth

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6th November 2025

Hicks Lodge, Willesley Woodside, Moira, Swadlincote

Research keeps shouting the same message: staying comfortable might feel nice, but it doesn’t help you age well. Whether it’s learning a new skill, trying a tougher workout, or even tackling something that scares you a bit—pushing yourself out of your comfort zone fires up your brain, builds resilience, and can literally add healthy years to your life. Studies show that challenging both body and mind keeps neural pathways strong, muscles and bones responsive, and confidence high. In short, that slightly uncomfortable edge? That’s where the magic—and the longevity—happens.

Speaking of which…..

Join us for a refreshing Well-Being morning of cycling, designed to encourage you to try something new and step out of your comfort zone! Embrace the great outdoors while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded women on a scenic route. After working up an appetite, savor a simple yet nourishing soup (or stew) and sourdough lunch that warms the soul. This is the perfect opportunity to connect, explore, and recharge—both body and mind—while discovering the joy of movement in a supportive safe environment. Come and nourish your spirit while making wonderful memories!  Bike hire included.

Best Things I love about Reformer Pilates

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One of the things I love most about Reformer Pilates is how adaptable it is – especially for midlife women. The machine might look a little daunting at first, but it’s an incredible piece of kit that supports your body while challenging it in all the right ways. For women with sore knees, dodgy hips, or stiff shoulders, the Reformer takes away the pressure of the floor and allows you to move smoothly with control.

That’s why my Golden Bloom classes at Bloom Reformer Studio Mickleover are so popular. Every session is tailored to meet you where you’re at – whether you’re building back strength, improving mobility, or simply wanting to feel more confident in how your body moves. I make sure the springs and exercises suit your needs, so you can strengthen without strain and stretch without stress.

The results are fantastic: better posture, stronger core, improved balance, and a feeling that your body is working with you rather than against you. The Reformer really is a game-changer for midlife women – gentle when you need it, powerful when you’re ready.

If you’re curious, come and try Golden Bloom at Bloom Reformer Studio Mickleover – your joints will thank you!  I work for the studio for this class, so to book you need to go to their website and you will find my classes on Tuesdays, 12 & 1pm and Wednesdays 11.30am.  If you are not a midlife woman, but would still like to take a class with me I also do a beginners session on Wednesdays at 12.30pm (in your lunch break!)  BOOK HERE

I’m Sue, founder of Alive Fitness, where I help midlife and post-menopausal women feel stronger, healthier, and more confident through movement, mindset, and simple nutrition. You’ll usually find me teaching Pilates, yoga or strength, or over on Instagram sharing everyday tips for thriving in menopause and beyond.

Mat Classes at Alive Pilates

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There’s something different about a mat class at Alive Fitness. Yes, we stretch, strengthen and move – but it’s about so much more than exercise. My classes are designed for midlife and post-menopausal women who want to feel good in their bodies, improve posture, and build strength where it really matters. Every session is tailored to help with balance, core stability, flexibility and those niggles we all get in our shoulders, hips and knees.

The beauty of mat-based Pilates and yoga is that it’s low impact yet highly effective – you’ll feel stronger without being battered and bruised. We take time to focus on the small things: breathing well, releasing tension, moving joints through their full range. It’s those details that make everyday life easier – bending, lifting, walking tall.

But the reason no one ever leaves? It’s the atmosphere. Classes are friendly, supportive, and welcoming. There’s laughter as well as hard work, and everyone feels part of something. It’s not about competition, it’s about community. Women stay because they feel better, move better, and enjoy being with people who understand their stage of life.

Come for the exercise, stay for the feeling. That’s the Alive Fitness difference.  If there ARE any spaces I will show them on the Classes Page.  Find it HERE

Well-Being Retreat Days for Midlife Women

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I’m Sue, founder of Alive Fitness, where I help midlife and post-menopausal women feel stronger, healthier, and more confident through movement, mindset, and simple nutrition. You’ll usually find me teaching Pilates, yoga or strength, or over on Instagram sharing everyday tips for thriving in menopause and beyond. Come and say hello There’s something truly special about stepping away from the busyness of everyday life and giving yourself a whole day just for you. That’s exactly what our Well-Being Day Retreats are all about. Designed especially for midlife and beyond women, they’re a chance to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with both body and mind.

We bring together everything you need for a reset – movement, mindfulness, nourishing food, and a big dose of connection with like-minded women who “get it.” You’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer, and re-energised, with practical tips you can carry back into your daily life. Many women tell me it’s the highlight of their year – their non-negotiable “me time.”

The retreats do sell out fast (no surprise really – we all need this!), so if you’d love to join us in 2026, now’s the time to get in early. By signing up for our priority list, you’ll get first access to the dates before they go public, giving you the best chance to book your spot.

Don’t wait for “someday” – gift yourself the space to pause, reset, and thrive. Your future self will thank you.  SIGN UP HERE

I’m Sue, founder of Alive Fitness, where I help midlife and post-menopausal women feel stronger, healthier, and more confident through movement, mindset, and simple nutrition. You’ll usually find me teaching Pilates, yoga or strength, or over on Instagram sharing everyday tips for thriving in menopause and beyond. Come and say hello on .  INSTAGRAM

Starting to Get Fit in Your 50s – Why September is the Perfect Time

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So, you’ve hit your 50s and suddenly realised that the aches, stiffness and creeping waistline aren’t going anywhere on their own. You’re not alone! Many women I meet tell me they’ve not done anything for years – life, work, family, menopause – it all takes priority. But here’s the truth: it’s never too late to start, and September is the perfect time to do it.

Why September? Well, it has that lovely “back to school” energy. Summer holidays are over, routines are settling back down, and there’s a fresh feeling in the air. It’s the ideal month to reset, refocus and put you back on the list. Forget January resolutions – they’re cold, gloomy and rarely stick. September, on the other hand, feels like a natural new beginning.

Now, I know the thought of starting can feel daunting. Maybe you’ve not exercised in decades, or perhaps your joints, balance and energy feel like they’re working against you. That’s exactly why I created the Menofit Club – an online Pilates and strength community specifically designed for women in midlife and beyond. No shouting bootcamps, no complicated gym equipment – just safe, effective sessions you can do at home with guidance and support.

Each week we run two live classes:

  • Strength & Cardio to build muscle, boost bone health and keep your heart strong.

  • Pilates, Yoga & Mindfulness to ease stiffness, calm the mind and improve balance.

It’s a space for real women – women who might be carrying a bit of extra weight, struggling with sleep, or wondering how to feel themselves again post-menopause. You don’t need to be fit to join. You just need to be ready to take that first step.

The benefits of starting now are huge. Regular strength and Pilates sessions improve mobility, protect against osteoporosis, support weight management, and even boost brain health – something we all want to protect as we age. And the best part? You’ll feel stronger, more energetic and more you again.

So if September feels like your “back to school” moment, don’t put it off. Join us in the Menofit Club and discover just how much better your 50s (and beyond!) can feel when you start moving with intention.

Join NOW (£5.04 per week)

Foot work on the Reformer, why is it so good?

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When we think about Pilates, we often picture core strength, posture and flexibility – but let’s not forget our feet. On the reformer, footwork isn’t just about pressing pedals; it’s about building a strong foundation.

As women over 50, our feet can lose strength and mobility, which affects balance, stability and even joint health. Footwork on the reformer trains the small muscles in your feet and ankles while connecting them to the bigger muscles in your legs and core. The result? Better posture, stronger walking, and more confidence when moving day to day.

It’s also brilliant for circulation, helps reduce stiffness, and gives you that lovely “light on your feet” feeling after class. Think of it as strength training starting right from the ground up – because if your feet are strong, the rest of you can move with freedom.

So next time you’re on the reformer, don’t see footwork as just the warm-up – it’s your secret weapon for ageing well.

I’m Susan, founder of Alive Fitness – helping midlife and post-menopausal women cut through the confusion and get strong, mobile and confident for life. I don’t believe in fad diets or endless cardio – I believe in smart training, real food, and habits that keep you thriving well into your later years.

Join my online Menofit Fitness Club for live weekly strength, cardio and Pilates sessions.
Derby-based classes for local women.  

How to get started on your fitness journey after the age of 50

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Hitting 50 isn’t the end – it’s the perfect beginning. Your body deserves strength, energy, and a little TLC. Forget quick fixes – it’s about moving smarter, eating well, and building habits that last. You can feel fit, confident, and strong at any age. So if you’re ready to thrive, not just survive, let’s get moving – because 50+ is just the start!

Susan is the founder of Alive Fitness, helping midlife and post-menopausal women feel stronger, healthier, and more confident through fitness, nutrition, and well-being. She teaches Pilates, yoga, and strength classes in Derby and runs her online Menofit Club, supporting women everywhere to thrive at 50 and beyond.  Find out more about Menofit. Just £5.04 per week.

10 Simple (But Powerful!) Steps to Lose Belly Fat in Midlife

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If you’re a midlife or postmenopausal woman wondering why that stubborn belly fat won’t budge—this one’s for you. Hormonal shifts, stress, poor sleep and modern eating habits all gang up on us. But with a few smart changes, you can absolutely flatten your belly and feel more energised.

Here’s your Menofit-friendly 10-step plan to get started:

1. Cut the Sugar

Say goodbye to added sugars—cakes, biscuits, chocolate, sweets, sugar in hot drinks, fizzy drinks and alcohol. These spike insulin, add inches to your waist, and mess with your hormones.

2. Hydrate Like a Boss

Aim for 8 glasses (around 2 litres) of water daily. Choose filtered water over fizzy or flavoured drinks. Hydration helps digestion, boosts energy, and reduces cravings.

3. Ditch Processed Foods

No ready meals, nothing in a packet, and nothing with a long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce. Cook fresh, whole foods from scratch. Your body knows what to do with real food!

4. Veggies Are Queen

Add at least 1lb (450g) of vegetables and salad to your meals every day. No, potatoes don’t count. Keep fruit to 2 portions max per day—too much and you’re just eating sugar in a fancy wrapper.

5. Prioritise Protein

Every meal should include a decent hit of protein—it supports muscle, balances blood sugar, and keeps you fuller for longer.

6. Fix Your Breakfast

Bin the beige cereals. Better options include:

  • Porridge with flax or chia seeds

  • 2 pieces of fruit with Greek yogurt

  • Eggs (2), bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes

  • Smoked salmon with green veg

7. Eat Healthy Fats Daily

Don’t fear fat—avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish, flaxseeds and coconut oil are all fab for hormones and heart health. Use them in cooking or as toppings.

8. Carbs: Once a Day, Max

Stick to one portion of carbs per day (about 10% of your plate). Choose wholegrains like brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or better still—sweet potato over white.

9. Cut the Caffeine

Swap your morning cuppa for hot water with lemon. Replace tea and coffee with fruit tea or filtered water. Caffeine can mess with cortisol and sleep.

10. Track Your Sleep

Notice the length and quality of your sleep. Do you wake up feeling energised? Tick a box each morning. Restorative sleep is essential for fat loss and hormone balance.

Final Word
Losing belly fat after menopause isn’t about starving yourself or hammering the gym—it’s about eating smart, moving consistently, and supporting your body with what it actually needs at this stage of life.

Want help putting this into practice?

Join the Online Menofit Club
Book a Reformer Pilates Class in Derby
Come to a Wellbeing Day – You’ll love it!

About the Author
Susan Booth runs Alive Fitness, a wellness hub for menopausal and postmenopausal women. Based in Derby, she teaches Reformer Pilates, strength training, yoga, and mindfulness. Her Menofit Club offers online fitness classes, nutrition support, and expert tips for midlife women who want more energy, better sleep, and lasting strength. She also hosts in-person Wellbeing Days packed with movement, mindset and menopause know-how.